Chile: Indians reject an Indian Affairs Ministry (The Washington Post)

President Michelle Bachelet proposed Tuesday to create a Ministry for Indigenous Affairs to place more weight on policies affecting Chile’s Indian communities, many of which are mired in poverty and demanding political autonomy. Bachelet said the ministry would allow decisions about Indian affairs to be made at the highest level of government. But the proposal was met with disapproval from the Mapuche Indians, Chile’s largest tribe, who continue to protest by occupying farmland and burning farm machinery… go to article